Vanessa has spent her life believing she was abandoned, shuffling between neglectful foster homes and haunted by strange nightmares. When her suppressed magic resurfaces, she is thrust into the mysterious world of Alfea, a school for fairies. There...
The following morning, Alfea buzzed with the energy of a new term. First-year students wandered the grounds, some wide-eyed with awe, others already forming clusters of friends. Vanessa observed from the edge of the courtyard, her arms crossed as she leaned against a stone pillar. Bloom was somewhere among them, no doubt leaving her fiery impression on everyone she met.
"She's adjusting fast," Sky remarked, stepping up beside Vanessa. His casual smile was tinged with amusement as he gestured toward Bloom, who was chatting animatedly with a group of first-years.
"Of course she is," Vanessa muttered, her gaze narrowing. "Bloom has always been... adaptable."
Sky chuckled. "Jealous?"
Vanessa turned to glare at him. "No. Just... concerned."
Alexander joined them, his expression calm but observant. "She's not you, Vanessa. Don't compare yourself to her."
"I'm not," Vanessa said quickly, though the bond hummed faintly with her frustration. "I just don't want her to get hurt."
"She'll be fine," Sky said, clapping her on the shoulder. "She's tougher than she looks."
Vanessa sighed, her gaze returning to Bloom. "I hope so."
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Vanessa and Bloom found themselves in their first shared class that afternoon-a session on elemental magic led by Professor Harvey. The room was filled with students practicing their powers, the air buzzing with energy.
"Today, we'll focus on control," Harvey announced, his voice cutting through the noise. "Power without discipline is dangerous, especially for elemental magic users."
Vanessa moved to her station, her movements precise and practiced. She summoned a small flame in one hand and a gust of wind in the other, weaving them together into a controlled spiral. The bond hummed faintly with Alexander's focus and Sky's encouragement, their presence steadying her.
Bloom, however, took a different approach. She summoned a burst of fire that roared to life in her hands, its heat palpable even from across the room. Vanessa winced as the flame flickered wildly, its edges licking dangerously close to the wooden desk.
"Bloom," Harvey said sharply, his tone laced with warning. "Control."
Bloom gritted her teeth, her frustration evident as she tried to reign in the flames. The bond buzzed faintly with Vanessa's unease, and she stepped forward instinctively.
"Let me help," Vanessa said, her voice steady.
"I don't need your help," Bloom snapped, her tone defensive. "I can do this."
Vanessa hesitated, her chest tightening as she stepped back. The bond buzzed faintly with Sky's sympathy and Alexander's quiet disapproval, but neither spoke.
"Very well," Harvey said, his gaze shifting between the sisters. "Continue."
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